By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD

By now most of us have heard of a gluten-free diet.  However, most of us are probably unclear as to what it is used for.  Popular celebrities and other sources have touted it as the newest form of weight loss or fad diet but don't believe everything you hear and read!  For the growing number of people being diagnosed with celiac disease, they are very clear as to what a gluten-free diet is used for.  These people have no other form of treatment for their disease then that all important gluten-free diet.  

As for weight loss, unfortunately following a gluten-free diet will not guarantee it!  And for the most part, if you are not properly educated on how to follow a gluten-free diet you probably are not.  There is no need to go to such lengths, unless medically necessary, to lose weight.  Out of any of the diets out there, a gluten-free diet, though getting a bit easier to follow, is one of the more trickier ones.  It is not a "no carb" diet and/or high protein diet.  In a nutshell it is a diet free of wheat, rye and barley in ALL forms.  So don't confuse yourself too much.  Following a gluten-free diet, unless you need to for medical reasons, is probably not the way to go for weight loss.  Following a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise will be much less frustrating!

 In addition, if you have celiac disease in your family tree or have experienced any of it symptoms it is vital that you be tested BEFORE beginning a gluten-free diet!  If gluten-free is your weapon of choice or if you have celiac disease or know of someone that does then check out my book:

Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Celiac Disease: Nutrition You Can Live With

It will clear up your questions and make following this diet somewhat more doable!

By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD

Chance are you have heard about the Mediterranean Diet in some form these days!  In fact many are ranking it among the top diets of 2011!!  It is becoming increasingly popular for those wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle.  The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish and plant proteins such as beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds and even a little bit of red wine.  It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, a heart healthy fat, and other essential nutrients for good health.  This diet has been shown to slow age-related cognitive decline as well as increase heart health, decrease the risk for some cancers and lead to better overall health.  Want to know more about this healthy yet tasty way of eating and what it can do for YOUR health?

Check out my newest book:  The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Mediterranean Diet for all of the information you need plus over 75 tasty recipes!  Make a healthier diet and lifestyle your new year resolution for 2011!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mediterranean Diet